Faculty members at UIC authorize strike

CHICAGO — Unionized faculty members at the University of Illinois at Chicago have authorized a strike, even as contract negotiations continue.

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By The Associated Press

The State Journal-Register

By The Associated Press

Posted Dec. 6, 2013 at 6:40 AM

By The Associated Press

Posted Dec. 6, 2013 at 6:40 AM

CHICAGO — Unionized faculty members at the University of Illinois at Chicago have authorized a strike, even as contract negotiations continue.

The Chicago Sun-Times reports that despite the vote, no strike is imminent.

UIC United Faculty represents about 800 educators who've been negotiating with school administrators for 15 months.

Union spokesman John Shuler says the group is hoping to avoid a strike. He says the two sides are continuing to work with a federal mediator to approve a new four-year contract. Meetings are scheduled to take place through early January.

The two sides are haggling over salary and promotion opportunities for non-tenured, full-time faculty. The union also wants to boost salaries for some long-time educators.

University spokesman Bill Burton says he's optimistic the two sides would reach a deal.